Offshore wind farm hits 25 year milestone

A MINISTER has hailed offshore wind as the "backbone" of the country's clean energy system as the sector marks 25 years since the UK's first turbines were erected off the coast of Northumberland.

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Since the Blyth site opened in December 2000, offshore wind has grown to become the second largest power source in the country after gas. Britain's 47 operational offshore wind farms now supply nearly a fifth (17%) of its electricity generation, with the sector employing around 40,000 people, according to an analysis released on Monday by green group Ember.

To celebrate the milestone, energy minister Michael Shanks visited Blyth last week, where he toured facilities owned by Venterra Group, a company that supplies key services and infrastructure to offshore wind.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Shanks said switching on the first turbines at Blyth a quarter of a century ago marked a "hugely important moment", putting the UK at the forefront of offshore energy.

"I don't think anyone could've fully appreciated the critical role that offshore wind would play in the future," he said. "It's the absolute backbone of the clean power system we want to build."